The "other" side of dual purpose

[awayatc]

Still bloody hot, not many new posts...so here goes:
People seem to concentrate more on the "dirt" side of the dual purpose beasts, but what about their road manners?:apint:
Been doing a day onroading....on the tarseal, ok bit of gravel, but mainly straight tarseal stuff...Of to Hawarden, across to Greta valley, Nape nape, back to Woodend.... Off to pick up take aways, buy milk, go to the shops etc...
The bike loves the twisties, leans over like a real sportsbike... sits quite happy at 100 at 4000 rpm, but makes the rider happier a bit above that.
It also loves the stop go city traffic....very user friendly.
Any excuse and I am gone, "forgetting" things just so I have to go again..

So what do I need to improve on it's commuting role?
-topbox.
-LOUD airhorn (Nautilus)
-a mirror that doesn't flip over at speed
-an oiler (Loobman or Scott..)
-a lock
I may also need some lighter riding gear....

No matter what you do it will always be a compromise, either a bias to ON or to OFF road,...:crybaby:
I will probably spend far more time on the road (tarseal or gravel) then in the dirt...:yes:
So this week it will be Molesworth...,Rainbow,,and hopefully a variety of other little roads:niceone:

[pete376403]

Completely agree - went up to Otaki yesterday, beaut weather, and then instead of coming straight back, decided to go and see what was at the end of the Otaki Forks road - a nice windy sealed road that finishes with about 10km of good gravel leading to a camping site. So the days trip was about 200 km in all, with 20km (in and out again) of gravel. While the KLR is quite competent on the gravel, it's got really great manners on the sealed road, good handling and brakes, adequate power, comfy seat - just fun to ride. Yet most of the adverse comment I've read about KLRs seems to revolve around their weight and lack of power for off roading.
Seems people are rating "adventure-type" bikes for how they handle the (maybe) 10% offroading they *might* do, while overlooking how well (or not so well) they do the on-road section.

[warewolf]

Seems people are rating "adventure-type" bikes for how they handle the (maybe) 10% offroading they *might* do, while overlooking how well (or not so well) they do the on-road section.There is a reason for this. A road won't stop an off-road bike, but some off-road can easily stop a road bike. Same principle applies to tyres: a chunky knobby will work acceptably well on the tarmac, but a road tyre can leave you stranded off the tar. The 10% doesn't come into it. You've only got to get stuck once and it will ruin your day (and possibly that of your riding companions).

Or put another way, pretty much any old dog will do on-road; they're all OK. But I would venture to suggest that comfort aside, the more powerful, better handling off-road bikes work better on-road, too. And comfort is something that is discussed heavily.

[gunnyrob]

The Beemer is friggin excellent. I was totally surprised how good it chomps up twisties, and is ideal for two up touring, on tar & gravel.

[Ixion]

\ Or put another way, pretty much any old dog will do on-road; they're all OK


On that basis, everyone would end up on trials bikes. The older sort with lights. The would 'do' on road, but I wouldn't want to ride one 100km in traffic. It's all very well to say that anything will "do" on road, if one is only going to ride a few kilometres on road. But if the "on road" part of the journey is 200 or 300 km then "do" is another matter.

Are you talking tyres , or other stuff ?

Tyres are always going to be a comprimise. A full blown motocross knobbly would technically be usable (though illegal) on road. I wouldn't want to ride far on it though. And a block type road tyre can be surprisingly successful on mild off road stuff. But there's no way to get the best of both worlds in tyres.

For the rest though, there's not necessarily a major conflict, assuming that neither environment is going to be a maximum speed thing.

Off road requirements are things like protection (bash plates and such) , no sticky out bits, wide ratio gearing, simplicity , and tip-upside-down-in -the-riverability. Most of which do not serious impact on road rideability , assuming that one is not expecting pure sprotsbike race replica performance.

And on road requirements are things like decent lights, fuel range, seat comfort, a high enough top gear (which should not be a problem with a wide ratio box).None of which should be a problem off road or on gravel.

Handlebars can either be a comprimise, it's not too hard to find a setting that works OK for both. Or adjust them when changing over. Engine characteristics for off road are fine for road use if the "I'm a junior Rossi" complex is ignored.

[RedKLR650]

Still bloody hot, not many new posts...so here goes: People seem to concentrate more on the "dirt" side of the dual purpose beasts, but what about their road manners?:apint:
Been doing a day onroading....on the tarseal, ok bit of gravel, but mainly straight tarseal stuff... The bike loves the twisties, leans over like a real sportsbike... sits quite happy at 100 at 4000 rpm, but makes the rider happier a bit above that. It also loves the stop go city traffic....very user friendly.
Any excuse and I am gone, "forgetting" things just so I have to go again..
I will probably spend far more time on the road (tarseal or gravel) then in the dirt...:yes:
So this week it will be Molesworth...,Rainbow,,and hopefully a variety of other little roads:niceone:

Couldn't agree more :devil2:

While I still get in a fair amount of off road stuff on the KLR, I do a fair bit on the seal too.....

Decided to go round the block late thursday, so headed off on the KLR thruogh Arthurs Pass, stayed Thursday night at Hokitika, met up with a mate with a brand new GSX1000 and headed down the coast, Haast / Wanaka / Omarama / Tekapo / Timaru by 5pm Friday evening.... 1100km all up, and on the twisties the KLR easily kept up with the whizz bike ( Of course the straights were another story )

And another thing. My mate on the GSX had to keep stopping to give his rear a rest due to the crap seat on that bike, the soft suspension coupled with a fair amount of foam gave a lot comfier ride on the off road bike

When are you off up Molesworth? , I'd be keen :cool:

Give me a text or buzz on 0274 342 372 if you're looking for someone to head through with......

Cheers, Stu

[warewolf]

On that basis, everyone would end up on trials bikes.Within the scope of "dual purpose" bikes - and all the qualification that implies - anything will do on road.

[oldrider]

Bikes generally have a enormous capability but they are usually restricted by the capability of the rider! :o John.

[tri boy]

Eeeek:shit:
I see the makings of a Dual Purpose slap down Bitch Fight emerging here.:2thumbsup
Bring it on ladies.
Dr's suck!, KTM's are,errrr KTM's, and weido's ride KLR's:lol:
As for Scrambler's:headbang: (except for when they touch water, go on the beach, or try to cross ya grandma's front lawn.:rofl:

[Skinny_Birdman]

Eeeek:shit:
I see the makings of a Dual Purpose slap down Bitch Fight emerging here.:2thumbsup
Bring it on ladies.
Dr's suck!, KTM's are,errrr KTM's, and weido's ride KLR's:lol:
As for Scrambler's:headbang: (except for when they touch water, go on the beach, or try to cross ya grandma's front lawn.:rofl:

So to summarise: Transalps, XRs, XTs and TTs for everybody? Sounds like my garage. :banana:

[Motu]

I'm mostly a gravel road rider...I have off road bikes for off road,and a trials bike makes the nasty stuff fun.So I am on the road side of adventure - I ride dirt orientated bikes because they do the job well.....upright seating position,feet under the bum,wide bars,a motor that will pull well from low revs,made to rear wheel steer.

But I don't think they are the ideal gravel road bike - some disadvantages are a high CG,rear weight bias,soft suspension.To me the better set up is a more ''classic'' style.....streettracker is the best way to describe it these days.Seeing as there is not much available on the market I will have to make my own.I have a project,but it is a long way off....so the next bike I get will be something I can turn into a backroad/gravel road bike.

Actually the best gravel road bike I ever had is in my avatar - note the low CG,more forward weight bias,and a long 58in wheelbase.

[Big Dave]

Uh huh.

XB12X is a great handling sprotsbike that happens to accommodate dirt roads too.



Yes oldrider - xb12x = Ulysses

[oldrider]

Uh huh.

XB12X is a great handling sprotsbike that happens to accommodate dirt roads too.

Yes oldrider - xb12x = Ulysses

What have they done to protect the belt drive from being damaged by the small stones and dust etc?

The Harley that I rode the other week and alluded to in another thread, was ridden by it's owners back home from Wanaka through the Danseys Pass last week end!

I was impressed, not because I didn't think Harleys can do that but I didn't think that the owners would, especially on "that" model Harley, it would have killed me to do it!

I checked out the belt drive and it appeared fine, no obvious damage that I could see.

Why am I telling you this story?

Because the excitement expressed by both rider and pillion on their somewhat difficult introduction to gravel on a motorcycle was so great that they now want to do more of it!

I suggested that they start looking at Buell's Ulysses or xb12x as I wasn't sure if they were the same bike.

Anyway, if they enjoyed their introduction to venture biking on their Harley, I am sure they would love it on a Buell xb12x Ulysses.

They have gone off home now, planning their next offensive, talking about getting a venture bike, leaving it at their batch and commuting back and forth on the Harley!

Oh the dreams that motorcycles conjure up, good luck to them, we may have some new riding partners.

Personally, I think it is exciting too. :yes: Cheers John.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I've been thinking along similar lines lately, and now want to ride a Triumph Scrambler.

[awayatc]

Pleased to see different owners enjoy multiple purposes on a multitude of bikes,and defend that choice with a passion.Good on ya :niceone:
It would be a dull world if we all would be the same, buy the same bikes and do the same things...:apint:
Dual purpose/multi purpose/ adventure can be defined in various ways.
:bleh:
Me I am getting ready for my own little Molesworth adventure tomorow on my flying horse....:buggerd:
happy trails:2thumbsup

[Gasman]

I've been thinking along similar lines lately, and now want to ride a Triumph Scrambler.


Me too! But after 5 years on a F650GS (the one that some love to hate) the Scrambler looks exposed and small - even though its supposedly more powerful. What's so hard to forget with the GS is its comfort level, reliability and true dual purpose nature. I've taken it over some really rough stuff, and I'm no expert, so it must be good! Have you talked to anyone who has spent some time on a Scrambler?

[Ixion]

The attenutated Ozzie has, and thought highly of it. Dunno whether that was cos it went well, or cos it was 'cool', though.

[tri boy]

The Beemer is probably the better trail/Adv bike.
The Standard Scrambler shocks are pretty poor, as is the standard non adj fr forks.

Robert Taylor dialled in some rear Ohlins on the rear, and fitted springs, and cartridge emulators to mine. (add about 2k to the cost), add a Thunder Bike Bashplate, a oil cooler mesh,(made one), and a front mudguard extension,(made out of high impact grinding face shield, never split yet).
Decent tyres, TKC/Metz Sahara, etc and its pretty good.
They are heavy, (220kg), but CoG is nice and low.
Limited suspension travel compared with trail bikes, but so has the Enfield, and I rode one of those over the three highest passes in India.
HP wise, about 55hp. (i fitted the Triumph "Off road" mufflers) and it breathes a bit better.
Some Americans are getting 100hp out of the Bonneville twins, but the Scrambler don't need that, plus that involes open air boxes etc, (no good if your into dirt/gravel/dust.
Take one for a ride before you sell the Beemer.
They are fun, but not a serious Adv bike.

Oh, one more thing.

They are WAY COOL. (I'm not).

[tri boy]

Couldn't resist.;)

Early pic's before the mods.:cool:

[Crisis management]

Hey, you forgot to mention the optional snorkel for river crossings......

[spookytooth]

i have been toying with the idea of getting my tbird a stable mate.Was wondering how the new tigers handled gravel/easier dirt trails.I wouldn't think the tripple would be that great a motor for it.If it wasn't for the missus always wanting to be on the back i would be going for another ktm exc

[tri boy]

i have been toying with the idea of getting my tbird a stable mate.Was wondering how the new tigers handled gravel/easier dirt trails.I wouldn't think the tripple would be that great a motor for it.If it wasn't for the missus always wanting to be on the back i would be going for another ktm exc

I think the older,(not the 1050) is a much better gravel mount. PM Cary, or Oldrider.:cool: Brand new they are going out the door around the $15000 mark. Good buying. Ham M/Cycles has a couple in stock.

[Big Dave]

I've been thinking along similar lines lately, and now want to ride a Triumph Scrambler.

Have a read through the Scrambler thread on ADVrider.com

[Big Dave]

i have been toying with the idea of getting my tbird a stable mate.Was wondering how the new tigers handled gravel/easier dirt trails.I wouldn't think the tripple would be that great a motor for it.If it wasn't for the missus always wanting to be on the back i would be going for another ktm exc

07's have 17 alloy road wheels and are specified by Triumph as 'A ROAD bike Big Dave, got it? A ROAD bike'.

06's have alloy wheels but 19"s worth an accommodate knobbies.

up to 05's have wire wheels and are quite good ADV bikes if you are strong enough to muscle it where needed.

I did the Capital Coast ride on one and dug it.

[Big Dave]

The attenutated Ozzie has, and thought highly of it. Dunno whether that was cos it went well, or cos it was 'cool', though.

Both. Even grudging approval from the Publisher and he has one Kawasaki eye and one BMW eye.

[oldrider]

07's have 17 alloy road wheels and are specified by Triumph as 'A ROAD bike Big Dave, got it? A ROAD bike'.

06's have alloy wheels but 19"s worth an accommodate knobbies.

up to 05's have wire wheels and are quite good ADV bikes if you are strong enough to muscle it where needed.

I did the Capital Coast ride on one and dug it.

Triumph definitely declared they were out of the big traily bike market when they launched the 1050 Tiger as a "road orientated upright sports bike!"

The 06 Tiger was offered as a run out model at bargain prices to clear them and make way for the new 07 1050 sports Tiger, so we bought an 06!

We class and use our 06 Tiger as an "all road" touring bike, more because of our own growing age related limitations rather than the bike's.

Some of the farm tracks we have ridden it on could be regarded as the easy end of "off road" by some. (so many men so many opinions on roads, trails etc)

The bike handles it all so well, loaded, two up and with a very discerning passenger who would make severe demands if she did not feel confident and safe!

We (passenger and I) are not too sure if we could get the bloody thing up again if we should bin it......but there's only one way to find that out, damn it!

A skillful rider like Duck_01 can take a (pre-06) Tiger anywhere or even beyond where any other big traily will go. (IMHO) :yes: Cheers John.

[bart]

Seems people are rating "adventure-type" bikes for how they handle the (maybe) 10% offroading they *might* do, while overlooking how well (or not so well) they do the on-road section.

I do closer to 10% sealed road, which I find as the boring bit when travelling to the gravel and dirt.

I've owned a string of sports bikes, so accept the fact that any adventure/dual purpose bike would be a shitter on the seal. It comes down to how much of a shitter it is (mines the shittiest of them all). ;)

[Big Dave]

I do closer to 10% sealed road, which I find as the boring bit when travelling to the gravel and dirt.

I've owned a string of sports bikes, so accept the fact that any adventure/dual purpose bike would be a shitter on the seal. It comes down to how much of a shitter it is (mines the shittiest of them all). ;)


I don't agree.

Modern dual sports handle the current condition of the north island's 'sportsbike' roads a whole lot better than sportsbikes.

[GaZBur]

... It comes down to how much of a shitter it is (mines the shittiest of them all). ;)

I am surprised you rate your bike so bad on the road as its probably only the tyres and gearing. Have ridden the SM version of your DRZ400 - it was awesome on the road but like most sit up type bikes is uncomfortable at much over legal speeds. Would not like to tour one but certainly have fun commuting on it. My DR650 is more than dual purpose as I use it for daily commuting on the road, touring on the road and gravel and even dirt tracks. Racing on gravel, dirt (Mini TT's NOT Motocross!), road, sealed race tracks, motard etc. While it is far from the best choice for any single one of these things the point is it still actually does them all and at a bargain price.

I really want to encourage as many of you as possible that have multi-purpose bikes to get out and race them too! I will never set the world on fire with my bike or skill level but have so much fun and almost never come last. I have even surprised a few Sport 600's and the Motard class is just so exciting. You dont need to be young and completely reckless as many people I see competing are nearer my age and have a ball. Just do it! You know deep down you want to!

[bart]

I have 2 sets of wheels (on and off road), 3 front, and 3 rear sprockets, and half a shed full of other gear. Around town it's a hell of a laugh, but will never be as capable or fun as a sports 600 or 750 on the road.

The rev range in each gear is much too narrow. Aerodynamics are crap. Riding position is wrong. Vibration rattles the shit out of you...................I take it back...........I think I just described a Harley.

My bike is capable of everything (ok, perhaps it's more offroad), but like most other dual purpose bike, is not great at any one thing. Give me a sports bike over dual purpose for road use any day.

[warewolf]

will never be as capable or fun as a sports 600 or 750 on the road. From where I sit, I pass way too many sprotsbikes on my trail bikes for that statement to be credible. The DR-Z250 was the biggest giggle to ride on the road.

Christmas-time we went away on the Triumph (with Ohlins/RaceTech suspension) and I thought the bump-trolls had been hard at work. Out on the Adventure again today, where did all the bumps go?

I would be willing to bet your DR-Z400 trailie has a much broader, more usable spread of power than a GSX400 sprotsbike. There's no point comparing the 400 to a 750.

[Big Dave]

Vibration rattles the shit out of you...................I take it back...........I think I just described a Harley.




That's a myth too.
The current 96cube balanced engine is one of the smoothest twins there is.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Have a read through the Scrambler thread on ADVrider.com


I shall. Cheers

My biggest problem is the fact that my inseam is 28 inches.... so anything (roadbike, but particularly trailbike or any serious offroader is WAAAAAAAYYYY to tall for my comfort zone.) Basically on the road bikes I just learned to get over it, and I am considerably impressed that Ricky Carmichael (not a bad MX-er in his day) is my height: five ft 4 inches.... so basically it comes down to will, and skill......as so many things do.

[bart]

I would be willing to bet your DR-Z400 trailie has a much broader, more usable spread of power than a GSX400 sprotsbike. There's no point comparing the 400 to a 750.

Single pot V four pot. I dunno......

OK, maybe I've been a bit harsh. The only Harley's I've riden were late 80's/early 90 models.

I'll also rephrase the rest. I'm a lot quicker and more comfortable on a sportsbike on the road, than any other type. In saying that, I've riden sports bikes on gravel also......and that sucked.

[marks]

so basically it comes down to will, and skill......as so many things do.

I was loading my wr450 onto our trailer the other day after going for a trail ride. A 5' ish 20 something year old rode up on her wr250/450 and had to dismount before stopping as she couldn't get either foot on the ground no matter what she did. I asked her how she manged low speed loss of balances where you would normally dab to save yourself and she said, very matter of factly that "you just throw yourself clear as the bike goes over - but she loved the wr so much it was worth it". AND she was good looking...

It was love at first sight and I would have asked for her to marry me except she was the same age as my son and my wife might object...

I'll never complain about the wr seat height again

[bart]

From where I sit, I pass way too many sprotsbikes on my trail bikes for that statement to be credible.

Not all sprots bike riders know what they're doing. A good rider on an almost dirt bike will be quicker than an inexperienced wannabe Rossi any day.

When riding road bikes, I was always amazed at how inexperienced a lot of Fireblade and R1 riders were.

I think a few hours off road riding should be compulsory to gain a bike licence. It's amazing how much a bit of off road skill helps road riding.

[Ixion]

I was loading my wr450 onto our trailer the other day after going for a trail ride. A 5' ish 20 something year old rode up on her wr250/450 and had to dismount before stopping as she couldn't get either foot on the ground no matter what she did. I asked her how she manged low speed loss of balances where you would normally dab to save yourself and she said, very matter of factly that "you just throw yourself clear as the bike goes over - but she loved the wr so much it was worth it". AND she was good looking...

It was love at first sight and I would have asked for her to marry me except she was the same age as my son and my wife might object...

I'll never complain about the wr seat height again

Now *that's* the true biker attitude! . Respect.

[Big Dave]

There's a scale.

At one end is Ben Townley's bike and its ergonomics - at the other end is Casey Stoner's and the type of conditions his machine deals with.

You work out where on the scale the type of riding/road you want to do is - and find the bike that is closest to that point in the scale.

Somewhere between muddy bog sh@ hole and swept smooth race track.

For my own bike I went for the one that I find covers the largest spread of the scale.
Other machines that have similar spread - but cover different ranges - V-strom, Capanord, Pre-07 Tiger, Big Katooms.

[marks]

....You work out where on the scale the type of riding/road you want to do is - and find the bike that is closest to that point in the scale.

If only it were that simple....

how many times have you brought a bike and discovered that what you thought you want is not really what you need...

the emotions really screw up the buying process...

logic says buy a dr650 - emotions say ....boring - buy a xt660x ... back says ow that hurts too much picking that fat bitch up.

logic says buy a dr650 - emotions say ....boring - buy a wr450 ... butt says ow that hurts too much sitting on a 4x2.

I seem to go through this expensive process of getting to the right bike by purchasing the wrong bike over and over.

and despite the sound logic of it (for me) a dr650 still seems too boring...(fecking belly buttons)

[Big Dave]

and despite the sound logic of it (for me) a dr650 still seems too boring...(fecking belly buttons)

Suspension tweak, Excel rims, two brothers exhaust, jets and some new plastics. job done.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I was loading my wr450 onto our trailer the other day after going for a trail ride. A 5' ish 20 something year old rode up on her wr250/450 and had to dismount before stopping as she couldn't get either foot on the ground no matter what she did. I asked her how she manged low speed loss of balances where you would normally dab to save yourself and she said, very matter of factly that "you just throw yourself clear as the bike goes over - but she loved the wr so much it was worth it". AND she was good looking...

It was love at first sight and I would have asked for her to marry me except she was the same age as my son and my wife might object...

I'll never complain about the wr seat height again

that is hardcore! you got her phone number, right? so I can, uh, research the proper choice? ;)

[Gizzit]

Suspension tweak, Excel rims, two brothers exhaust, jets and some new plastics. job done.

Is a DR able to be made good enough to ride any distance on ?
I appreciate the tweaks you mentioned, but to me it's the seat on the DR that puts me off, and the small tank (which I believe can be replaced ... but the look gets spoiled doesn't it ?).
Cheap as chips for a new one though ..... However, the new KLR is still looking like my favourite .... for an adventure/touring/commuting "do-everything-on-it" bike.

[NordieBoy]

Is a DR able to be made good enough to ride any distance on ?
I appreciate the tweaks you mentioned, but to me it's the seat on the DR that puts me off, and the small tank (which I believe can be replaced ... but the look gets spoiled doesn't it ?).

More than "good enough".
A Corbin seat and an IMS tank and you're set for distance work.

It stops looking like a big dirt bike and more like an adventure bike.

<img src=http://www.photostorage.nelson.geek.nz/sports/motorsport/mybikes/DR650/slides/20061129-162617.jpg>

[Transalper]

Is a DR able to be made good enough to ride any distance on ?
I appreciate the tweaks you mentioned, but to me it's the seat on the DR that puts me off, and the small tank (which I believe can be replaced ... but the look gets spoiled doesn't it ?).
Cheap as chips for a new one though ..... However, the new KLR is still looking like my favourite .... for an adventure/touring/commuting "do-everything-on-it" bike.:killingme 10,000km in almost 3 months, 3 days in there were 1000km days, 1 of those days was sealed roads only. Many of the other runs were around 500 to 700km days and some with luggage.

I'd say yes, the DR with small seat mod, small screen and IMS tank is fine as a distance bike... for J and I anyway, we both use DR650s.
No I do not think the mods spoil the looks.

KLR could be my second choice from what I've seen and heard over the last year, i'd like to try one sometime when I start moving focus away from adventures at the trail end of the spectrum. Transalps are tryed and trusted too.

[Gizzit]

More than "good enough".
A Corbin seat and an IMS tank and you're set for distance work.

It stops looking like a big dirt bike and more like an adventure bike.


That is impressive !!
If you don't mind me asking, what have you done to the basic bike ... and what does it cost to get a basic DR650SE to that stage. (PM me if its a long list .. if you'd rather)

DR's are a very reasonably price new, but I have just had my reservations about the range, and comfort. I want to be able to tour, and sometimes two up with gear. Thats why I have been looking at the 08 KLR650.
Cheers.

[Transalper]

DR650 two up with gear, unless you and your passenger are small people I wouldn't be too keen on that, although we did feel it was better for us when we went two-up than the F650 which was uncomfortable. Everyone is different though, and what works for some doesn't for others.
Transalp is sweet two up with gear. As I say, I'd like to give a KLR a try sometime. The KLR650 is said to be comfortable enough and already has the Fuel range straight out of the box. I think a fork brace is the main mod spoken of for a KLR. I don't mess with my engines.

[NordieBoy]

That is impressive !!
If you don't mind me asking, what have you done to the basic bike ... and what does it cost to get a basic DR650SE to that stage. (PM me if its a long list .. if you'd rather)

It's not a long list at all :lol:

All that was done to the bike in the pic are the tank, seat, screen and ScottOiler would have run about $600-700nz.
If you're short then that'd be enough.

I'm not short and I like tinkering :D

The seat, dash, carb, exhaust, bars, screen, forks, shock have all born witness to my ineptitude with tools.

The stuff I've done is covered in some detail :whistle: <a href=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=39743>HERE</a>.

[pete376403]

I'd like to give a KLR a try sometime. The KLR650 is said to be comfortable enough and already has the Fuel range straight out of the box. I think a fork brace is the main mod spoken of for a KLR. I don't mess with my engines.
The '08 KLR has thicker forks than previous models so the brace may not be required. I've certainly not noticed any requirement for one (so far)
With the '08 the unthinkable happened - Kawasaki made note of things that people were complaining about with the KLRs and fixed most of them.

[Taz]

[QUOTE=Big Dave;1387963]There's a scale./QUOTE]

Here's my scale

[marks]

Here's my scale

3 bikes is about right

1 x trail bike
1 x lightish trail/adventure bike
1 x mile eater

[cooneyr]

Here's my scale

No need to rub it in. If you could only keep one bike what would you have?

Cheers R

[Transalper]

A DR650, after trying a fair few and having multiple regoed bikes in the garage I have made that choice and trimed down already.

The CRF that still survives in my garage as an extra is just a bonus, but if there were to be only one with my mix of sealed roads and the rest...DR650.

[warewolf]

3 bikes is about rightSnap!


No need to rub it in. If you could only keep one bike what would you have?No question, KTM 9x0 Adventure - if two-up is a factor - or KTM 640 Adventure - if it isn't. I would take a 9x0 anywhere I'd take my 640, but I'd want more friends to help pick it up, and a bigger tyre budget to make more use of that motor and less chance of having to push it.

[Taz]

No need to rub it in. If you could only keep one bike what would you have?

Cheers R

Tough question - But if that were the case I'd get an F800GS. But for the price of an F800GS you can have 3 older bikes.........:niceone:

BMW was 7k
XT was 7700 (new in 2005)
KDX was 4500
all up that's only slightly more than the price of a KTM640 Adv and the XT does every thing the KTM can do without the KTM's maintenance expenses.

[Motu]

Three bikes seems to be the way to go.I have the TLR200 for serious off road you wouldn't want to do on a real dirt bike.The DT230 for real dual purpose and the XT600 to eat road point to point.


If I could only choose one bike it would be the DT230 - it can be a real dirt bike if stripped down,a little heavy for it's size,but still lighter than an aircooled 250 trail bike.For the rest of the stuff it can out perform all the 650 class thumpers in all areas,they just don't see where it's gone.But it's not the bike you would spend a week doing a quick tour of the South Island on.

[cooneyr]

No argument that for the price of "the 1" bike you could probably afford 3 but the question was if you could only have one. I with WW on this one - KTM 9x0 adv cause my wife is starting to enjoy two up riding even though the DR650 doesn't.

Cheers R

[warewolf]

all up that's only slightly more than the price of a KTM640 Adv and the XT does every thing the KTM can do without the KTM's maintenance expenses.You couldn't buy those three new for the price of a new KTM, nor used for the price of a used KTM. And having multiple bikes means multiple contributions to the ACC every year, to the tune of what, $225 per bike - more than my car!

Maintenance expenses? Don't you change the oil & filters on your XT?

[marks]

If I could only choose one bike it would be the DT230. But it's not the bike you would spend a week doing a quick tour of the South Island on.

thats exactly what I plan to do on my one in a week or two....

I have my reservations as well but I don't got nuffin else to take.

[Rosie]

thats exactly what I plan to do on my one in a week or two....

I have my reservations as well but I don't got nuffin else to take.

Have you done a cheap nasty seat remodel on it yet? I'm still amazed at how comfy the sherpa's seat turned out.

[marks]

Have you done a cheap nasty seat remodel on it yet? I'm still amazed at how comfy the sherpa's seat turned out.

Not yet

I'm concentrating on building solid mounts for my new ventura soft panniers. Given my temporary bag mount got pretty pretzeled when I inspected the undergrowth on EEE I'm making the new mounts SOLID.

The sheepskin makes a big improvement over the standard seat anyway (and makes a great pillow case filler).

cheers

Mark

[tri boy]

thats exactly what I plan to do on my one in a week or two....

I have my reservations as well but I don't got nuffin else to take.

"Fatty n Skinny" (Scrambler n DT) Do the Mainland.:headbang:
Oh this is gunna be a hoot.:devil2:

[Motu]

thats exactly what I plan to do on my one in a week or two....

I have my reservations as well but I don't got nuffin else to take.

I'd have no real reservations about taking the DT230 on a big trip....it's just the small tank and carrying oil that would make it a bit tiresome.

I have all the parts to rebuild mine now....just need the time to do it.Nearly every vehicle I own needs work - and you'd need to take your socks off to count my fleet.